Dolly



Mv DILLER Nov. 19, 1968 DOLLY 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 5, 1967 INVENTOR Ml LTON DILLER United States Patent Office 3,41 1,8 '2 Patented Nov. 19, 1968 3,411,802 DOLLY Milton Diller, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Montgomery Ward & Co., Incorporated, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Jan. 3, 1967, Ser. No. 606,863 Claims. (Cl. 280-791) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The dolly includes a platform and a pair of side walls thereon with spaced-apart axles on the side walls and wheels mounted on the axles, alignment structure including an abutment member and a mounting member thereon and directed normal thereto, and a guide carried by the side walls slid-ably receiving the mounting member, whereby the abutment member is slidable while the platform of the dolly is disposed beneath an article.

This invention relates to dollies for use with articles of home furnishings and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to dollies for use under individual legs or corners of such articles.

Heavy articles of home furnishings, such as refrigerators, freezers, kitchen ranges, and laundry equipment, are difficult to move, owing to their Weight and also to the relatively inaccessible locations or restricted spaces in which they are often placed. Consequently, it has been difficult to clean beneath and behind the articles and to obtain access to the rear thereof.

Appliances have become available that incorporate built in roller mechanisms to overcome the problem of immobility. Such mechanisms are, however, necessarily limited to use on the article on which they are installed, specific for each unit, and relatively expensive.

US. Patent No. 3,179,437 discloses a dolly that has been employed for imparting mobility to heavy appliances. The dolly embodies an interconnected pair of wheel housings inserted beneath the front and back corners of an appliance along each side thereof. Use of the dolly is, however, limited to appliances which have front and back corner supports in alignment parallel with the sides of the appliance. Also, it is necessary to raise the entire side of the appliance for inserting the dolly beneath the frontand back corners at the same time.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a dolly for use under individual legs or corners of articles'of home furnishings and the like, which therefor is not limited to the positions of the legs or other supporting means at the corners of the articles and which also is suited for insertion beneath one corner at a time.

Another object is to provide a dolly suited for either semi-permanent or temporary installation beneath legs or corners of articles of home furnishings, and which may be installed initially with the article or at any time subsequently as the; need arises.

An additional object is to provide a dolly of the foregoing character constructed for substantially straight line movement of the dolly and of the article supported thereby to properly guide the article out of and back into its normal location, easily and without damage to the article and adjacent objects or surfaces. An accompanying object is to provide a dolly construction which also permits of a small degree of turning movement as may be desirable for moving the article in restricted areas or for changing the position of the article.

A further object is to provide a dolly of the foregoing character which is constructed for proper orientation or alignment with the article and with other dollies supporting the article, to provide the desired linear movement without binding, and to avoid erratic movement and possible jamming of the article.

Another object is to provide a dolly of the foregoing character having adjustable alignment means accommodating various positions of the dolly relative to the article being supported, corresponding to various positions of the legs or other corner supports on the article.

An additional object is to provide a dolly of the foregoing character which is easily and rapidly installed in proper alignment and is adapted for readily correcting misaligment.

A further object is to provide a dolly of the foregoing character which may be assembled to the sides or to the front and rear of an article, as may be necessary or desirable.

Another object is to provide a dolly of the foregoing character Which is simple, economical, and versatile, and Which is useful for moving heavy home appliances and also for moving other articles of home furnishings such as furniture.

These and other objects, advantages and functions of the invention will be apparent on reference to the specification and to the attached drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein like parts are identified by like reference symbols in each of the views, and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of two dollies constructed according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating the manner in which they are employed along one side of a refrigerator, illustrated fragmentarily in phantom lines;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the dolly shown in FIG. 1, illustrating alternate positions of an alignment member thereof in full and phantom lines, respectively;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the dolly, illustrating the manner in which it is employed beneath one corner of a refrigerator, shown fragmentarily in phantom lines, and also illustrating in the initial position of the alignment member thereof in phantom lines;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the dolly, illustrating the initial position of the alignment member thereof in phantom lines;

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross sectional view of the dolly, taken on line 55 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the alignment member of the dolly, illustrating in phantom lines the manner in which a pair of slide arms thereof are spread apart when assembled in the dolly; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of one end of another embodiment of the dolly, with the alignment member thereof removed.

Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-6, FIG. 1 illustrates the manner in which two dollies 10 are assembled beneath front and rear corners at one side of a conventional refrigerator 12. The front corner of the refrigerator is supported on the front dolly by a conventional leveling screw 14 which is seated on the dolly. The rear corner of the refrigerator is supported on the rear dolly by interior corner structure 16 which is seated on the dolly. The opposite side of the refrigerator, not shown, is supported in like manner by front and rear dollies.

The dolly 10 includes a chassis or frame 18 preferably constructed of steel plate. In the preferred illustrative embodiment, the metal plate is bent to form a substantially square top Wall or platform 20 and a pair of spaced parallel side walls or flanges 22 depending perpendicularly from opposite ends of the top wall. A substantially square depressed bed portion 24 (see FIG. 5) is formed centrally in the top wall and extends for most of the area thereof, leaving a narrow rim portion 26 of the top wall therearound. A depressed or embossed reinforcing rib 27 is formed on the bed portion 24. The rib extends between the side walls 22 centrally of the top wall 20.

A groove recess 28 is formed in each of the side walls 22. The recesses extend longitudinally of the side walls intermediate the upper and lower edges thereof and in equidistantly spaced parallel relation to the rim portion 26 of the top wall. Arcuate notch recesses 30 of circular configuration (see FIG. are formed in the opposite end edges 32 of the side walls, in the grooved portions thereof. In this manner, the notch recesses are in alignment or registry with the groove recesses 28. The recesses serve to mount and guide an alignment member on the chassis, as described hereinafter. The rib construction forming the groove recesses also imparts added structural strength to the chassis.

Two axles 34 in the form of headed steel rods are mounted on the side walls 22 beneath the groove recesses 28, in corresponding holes in the side walls. The axles extend perpendicularly between the side walls, in spaced parallel relation On opposite sides of the center of the top wall 20. Corresponding ends 36 of the axles preferably are center swaged or peened to fix the ends in the adjacent side wall and prevent rotation of the axles.

Two wide rim wheels or rollers 38 are rotatably mounted on each of the axles 34. The wheel rims 39 on each axle together extend for nearly the full distance between the side walls 22, thereby extending substantially beyond the center of the top wall 20. The longitudinal extent of the wheels and the lateral spacing between the wheels on the respective rollers serves to stabilize the dolly under load imposed on the center of the chassis 18, corresponding to the center of the top wall.

The wheels 38 preferably are constructed of rigid resilient material which while capable of slight deformation does not deform permanently to any great extent and which will not damage flooring material, such as nylon, rubber, or high impact polystyrene. Nylon is preferred for use on waxed surfaces. Each of the wheel rims 39 has rounded edges 40 and tapers slightly outwardly towards the center, e.g., about 1% taper, such taper being exaggerated in the drawings. The described rim construction minimizes marking or indentation of floor surfaces.

The wheel mounting is such as to provide for unidirectional straight line movement of the dolly, which is desirable for moving appliances and other articles to and from restricted locations. At times, it is also desirable that the dolly be capable of turning movement, such as when obstructions are present or the position of the article is to be altered. For such purposes, the hubs 42 of the wheels are dimensioned to fit loosely on the axles, i.e., a small amount of play or slack is provided between the hubs and the axles.

A substantially square resilient compressible pad 44 is mounted on the bed portion 24 of the top wall and covers the bed. The pad preferably is constructed of vinyl foam, high density rubber, or the like. The pad is secured to the bed portion by a layer 46 of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The outer or upper surface of the pad is provided with a covering layer 48 of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The outer adhesive layer is protected by a removable paper cover 50 prior to use, and the cover may bear printed instructions or advertising.

A U-shaped alignment member or bracket 52 is removably mounted on the chassis 18. The member is constructed of a bent steel wire and includes an abutment end 54 having a pair of spaced parallel uprights or legs 56 integrally joined by a horizontal crossbar 58. A pair of slide arms 60 are integral with the lower ends of the uprights 56, extend laterally therefrom in a plane perpendicular to the abutment end, and terminate in swaged free ends 62. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the arms normally converge slightly towards their free ends, and they are spread apart to substantially parallel positions, as shown in phantom lines, when mounted.

As illustrated in full lines in FIG. 2, the slide arms 60 are slidably received in the notch recesses 30 at opposite ends of the side walls 22. The abutment end 54 projects upwardly for a substantial distance from the top wall 20 and the pad 44 thereon. The abutment end is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the axles 34.

Alternatively, the alignment member 52 may be mounted on the chassis 18 in the manner illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 2. In this case, the slide arms 60 are slidably received in the groove recesses 28 in respective side walls 22. The slide arms extend perpendicularly to the axles 34. The abutment end 54 is oriented in parallel to the axles.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate construction for mounting the alignment member 52. In this embodiment, side walls 64 of modified construction replace the side walls 22 of the preceding embodiment. Two sleeves 66 are struck out from each of the side walls, and they are disposed in spaced longitudinal alignment near the ends of the respective side wall. Notch recesses 68 are provided in the end edges of the side walls, in alignment with the sleeve openings. The sleeves 66 and the notch recesses 68 replace the respective groove recesses 28 and notch recesses 30 of the preceding embodiment and function similarly thereto. Thus, the slide arms 60 of the alignment member 52 are slidably received in the notch recesses 68 for mounting the arms parallel to the axles 34. Alternatively, the slide arms 60 are slidably received within the sleeves 66 for mounting the arms perpendicularly to the axles. Otherwise, the respective embodiments are constructed and function in like manner.

Owing to the described construction of the alignment member 52, the slide arms 60 are springingly received in the groove recesses 28 and the notch recesses 30 in the side walls 22, for securing the member on the chassis of the first described embodiment. The arms are slidably received in the respective recesses for relative straight line movement of the alignment member to and from the chassis. The swaged ends 62 of the slide arms serve to retain the alignment member on the chassis. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the slide arms 60 are mounted similarly in the notch recesses 68. Alternatively, the slide arms are inserted through the sleeves 66, following which the free ends of the arms may be swaged as illustrated, to retain the arms on the chassis. If desired, the sleeves 66 may be constructed for snap-in mounting of the slide arms 60, inserting the arms from the open upper sides of the sleeves. In this case, the free ends of the arms may be pre-swaged.

In use, the dolly 10 with the alignment member 52 eX- tended, as shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 3 and 4, is inserted beneath one of the corners of the refrigerator 12 or other article, after removing the paper cover 50'. The dolly may be inserted beneath the leveling screw 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, beneath the corner structure 16, as shown in FIG. 1, or beneath other supporting structure. The foot 70 of the leveling screw 14, or other leg or structure, is centered on the pad 44 on the top Wall 20. The alignment member 52 next is moved towards the chassis 18 until the abutment end 54 abuts on the outer surface of the refrigerator outer side wall 72. The abutment end should lie flush on the wall surface, and if not, it is forcefully brought into such position, turning the remainder of the dolly therewith. The final positioning of the abutment end and of the dolly may be effected by foot pressure while the dolly is under load.

With the alignment member 52 mounted on the chassis 18 in the full line position illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the axles 34 extend perpendicularly to the refrigerator side wall 72, so that the dolly is in position for rolling the refrigerator thereon in a direction parallel to the side walls. The mounting assembly may be completed by arranging three additional dollies beneath the remaining corners of the refrigerator in like manner.

Alternatively, the dollies 10 may be mounted to the front and rear of the refrigerator by mounting the alignment member 52 on the chassis 18 of each dolly in the manner illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 2. In this case, the abutment members 54 are brought to bear against the front and back walls of the refrigerator. As with the side mounting of the dollies, the axles 34 are perpendicular to the refrigerator side walls, for moving the refrigerator in a direction parallel to the side walls.

The contact of the abutment end 54 with the refrigerator wall 72 serves to maintain the proper alignment of each dolly with respect to the refrigerator and with respect to each other dolly. The refrigerator may be moved in a straight line, or turned slightly, without binding or undesirable movement in other directions such as would be caused by improper orientation of one or more of the dollies. The described construction provides a stable mounting at each corner of the of the refrigerator, so that the corners are supported evenly on the wheels 38 and without tilting the chassis or unintentionally turning the wheels.

As seen in FIG. 3, a depression 74 is formed in the compressible pad 44 beneath the foot 70 of the leveling screw 14, owing to the weight of the refrigerator. The deformation of the pad and engagement with the screw serve to retain the dolly in its proper position without relative slippage during movement. The outer adhesive layer 48 on the pad further serves to secure the dolly to the leveling screw, while yet permitting the dolly to turn if necessary during installation.

The dolly may be employed similarly with other appliances or articles of furniture, inserting the dolly under individual legs, corners, or other supports for the articles. Alternatively, and especially where supporting members are spaced inwardly for greater distances from the outer walls, the abutment end 54 of the dolly may be brought to bear against interior surfaces for orienting the dolly. Such surfaces may include inner wall surfaces, frame surfaces, crossbar surfaces, and so forth. The dolly having the adjustable alignment member 52 is especially useful where the supporting members of an article are differently spaced from the walls or other surfaces of the article. Dollies may be mounted in any combination of front, rear and side mounting, with the abutment ends 54 contacting external or internal surfaces for orientation.

It is a feature of the invention that the dolly is relatively low and does not raise the supported article a great distance off of the floor. This feature assumes significance in use with refrigerators, where it is found that the position of the appliance relative to the floor may affect the defrosting cycle. Also, the low elevation minimizes the amount of head clearance required for the supported article.

The illustrative embodiments of the invention are preferred for their versatility and adaptability, while being simple and economical in construction and use. In additional alternative embodiments, either the groove recesses 28 (FIG. 2.) and the corresponding sleeves 66 (FIG. 7),

or the notch recesses 30 (FIG. 2) and 68 (FIG. 7) may be dispensed with, for mounting the dolly exclusively to the sides or to the front and rear, respectively, of the supported article. Inasmuch as side mounting is generally preferable, it is preferred that at least the notch recesses 30 or 68 be provided.

It is also contemplated in the invention that the dolly may be constructed with an alignment member secured to the chassis in fixed position. While such structure is less versatile and adaptable, it may be supplied for use with designated articles of prescribed dimensions. In such structure, the chassis and the supporting axle and wheel struc ture may be extended to provide an elongated rectangular support for accommodating variations in the spacing of legs or other supporting structure.

The invention thus provides a dolly for use under individual legs or corners of articles of home furnishings and the like which overcomes the disadvantages of prior devices and furnishes significant advantages thereover. A

While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent that various changes and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A dolly for use under individual legs or corners of articles of home furnishings and the like, which comprise a chassis, a plurality of axles mounted on said chassis in spaced parallel relationship, wheel means mounted on said axles, an alignment member, and means for mounting said alignment member on said chassis to project upwardly therefrom and orienting said alignment member with respect to said axles, said mounting means including two guide means respectively slidably receiving said alignment member in positions at right angles to each other, whereby the dolly is insertable beneath an article of home furnishings for supporting a leg or corner portion of the article on said chassis, and said axles are oriented with respect to said article by abutment of the upwardly projecting portion of said alignment member on a surface of the article.

2. A dolly as defined in claim 1 wherein said alignment member is slidable in said positions in directions respectively parallel to and perpendicular to said axles.

3. A dolly for use under individual legs or corners of articles of home furnishings and the like which comprises a chassis including a top wall and opposite side walls depending therefrom, a pair of axles mounted on said side walls in spaced parallel relation, wheel means mounted on said axles, an alignment member comprising a bent wire having an abutment end and a pair of slide arms extending laterally therefrom, and means for mounting said alignment member on said chassis with said abutment end projecting upwardly from said top wall and orienting said abutment end with respect to said axles, said mounting means including two guide means providing recesses in said side walls, said guide means respectively slidably and springingly receiving said alignment member in positions at right angles to each other, whereby the dolly is insertable beneath an article of home furnishings for supporting a leg or corner portion of the article on said top wall, and said axles are oriented with respect to said article by abutment of said abutment end on a surface of the article.

4. A dolly as defined in claim 3 wherein said abutment end is respectively parallel to and perpendicular to said axles in said alignment member positions.

5. A dolly for supporting an article and comprising a chassis including a platform and a pair of side walls depending from said platform, a plurality of axles mounted on said side walls in spaced-apart parallel relation, Wheel means mounted on said axles, alignment structure including an abutment member and a mounting member on said abutment member and directed substantially normal thereto, and guide means carried by said side walls and slidably receiving said mounting member for relative straight-line movement of said abutment member to and from said chassis, said platform being disposed in use beneath the article to be supported, whereby said abutment member projects upwardly and is slidable with respect to said platform to a position adjacent an upstanding wall of the article to orient said axles with respect to the article.

6. The dolly as defined in claim 5, wherein said abutment member includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel legs and a cross bar disposed on aligned ends of said legs, and said mounting member includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel arms respectively on the opposite aligned ends of said legs and directed substantially normal to said legs.

- 7. The dolly as defined in claim 6, wherein said guide means includes two longitudinally extending grooves respectively formed in said side walls and lying in a plane substantially parallel to said platform, with said grooves respectively springingly receiving said arms.

8. The dolly as defined in claim 6, wherein said guide means includes four recesses respectively formed on the ends of said side walls tnd lying in a plane substantially parallel to said platform, the two recesses on aligned ends of said side walls springingly receiving one of said arms, and the two recesses on the opposite aligned ends of said side walls springingly receiving the other of said arms.

9. The dolly as defined in claim 5, wherein said guide means includes two guide portions directed substantially normal to each other, with said mounting member being mountable in either of said guide portions, whereby the plane of said abutment member may be selectively directed parallel to or normal to said side walls.

10. The dolly as defined in claim 5, wherein said platform includes a depressed bed portion, and further comprising a compressible pad mounted in said bed portion and having a layer of adhesive on the exposed surface thereof for attachment to the article to be supported.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,604,723 10/1926 Rutherford 280-791 2,446,023 7/ 1948 Pohl 28035 2,895,160 7/1959 Clifton 280-79.l 3,179,437 4/1965 Ensinger 28035 LEO FRIAGLIA, Primary Examiner.

BENJAMIN HERSH, R. SONG, Assistant Examiners. 

